THE LEAFLET

May 23, 2022 /
Abby Holcombe

DDOT’s Urban Forestry Division Visits the Casey Tree Farm

What happens when a bunch of urban foresters get together on a tree farm? If you’re thinking we all gushed about the 100+ acres of baby trees, you’re right. But we also learned about something you might not expect.

Last week we were thrilled to host our District partners from DDOT’s Urban Forestry Division at the Casey Tree Farm in Berryville. This partnership is so essential for DC’s tree canopy: just last year alone, our farm provided 1,165 trees to DDOT’s planting efforts throughout the city.

On a farm with seemingly endless verdant fields of young tree growth, we were also reminded of the full circle of a tree’s life at the Sawmill. We work with our District partners to repurpose the wood of old trees from the District, including from the 2021 National Christmas Tree! The UFD Sawmill, which is in an old horse barn, houses all sorts of wood – walnut, pine, and tons and tons of oak – that we donate back to the community in DC. Together Casey Trees and DDOT staff witnessed firsthand how a huge tree turns to slabs of wood, and imagined how that slab would turn to outdoor classroom furniture.

Reid Kemp, our Farm Manager, recounted on last week’s visit: “It was great to share an afternoon with our partners discussing challenges and successes. We couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity to expand outreach with such a hard-working group. The discussions of stock type, pruning, and future possibilities really pave a path for tree installations. We’re looking forward to next steps and shared knowledge.”